U.S. patent application number 11/270079 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-10 for blown asphalt compositions.
This patent application is currently assigned to KRATON Polymers U. S. LLC. Invention is credited to Harriet J. S. Kendrick, Robert Q. Kluttz, Keith E. Stephens.
Application Number | 20070105986 11/270079 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38004657 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070105986 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kluttz; Robert Q. ; et
al. |
May 10, 2007 |
Blown asphalt compositions
Abstract
A process for preparing compatible, selectively hydrogenated
block copolymer-modified bituminous compositions comprising blowing
a mixture of the block copolymer and bitumen with an oxidizing gas
at temperatures of at least 375.degree. C. for at least 75 minutes.
The modifying polymer is a selectively hydrogenated styrenic block
copolymer and no blowing catalyst is required. Stable bituminous
compositions comprising 6 to 25 parts by weight of block copolymer
per 100 parts of asphalt are also provided as well as their
application as roofing shingles.
Inventors: |
Kluttz; Robert Q.; (US)
; Kendrick; Harriet J. S.; (US) ; Stephens; Keith
E.; (Houston, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KRATON POLYMERS U.S. LLC
WESTHOLLOW TECHNOLOGY CENTER
3333 HIGHWAY 6 SOUTH
HOUSTON
TX
77082
US
|
Assignee: |
KRATON Polymers U. S. LLC
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
38004657 |
Appl. No.: |
11/270079 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
524/59 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C08L 53/02 20130101;
C08L 95/00 20130101; C08L 95/00 20130101; C08L 53/00 20130101; C08L
95/00 20130101; C08L 2666/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
524/059 |
International
Class: |
C08L 95/00 20060101
C08L095/00 |
Claims
1. A process for preparing a bituminous composition comprising i)
heating 100 parts by weight bitumen to at least 375.degree. F., ii)
adding from 6 to 25 parts by weight of a selectively hydrogenated
block copolymer having at least one A block of a polymerized
monoalkenyl arene and at least one B block of a polymerized and
hydrogenated conjugated diene, iii) stirring the mixture using a
low shear mixer, and iv) blowing an oxygen-containing gas through
the mixture at a gas flow rate of at least 5 lpm per kg of the
bituminous composition for a time of at least 75 minutes in the
absence of a blowing catalyst.
2. The process of claim 1 wherein the selectively hydrogenated
block copolymer has the general formula S--EB--S or (S--EB).sub.nX
where S is a styrene block, EB is a hydrogenated butadiene block, X
is the residue of a coupling agent and n is from 2 to 8.
3. The process of claim 2 wherein the styrene block has a weight
average molecular weight from 5,000 to 30,000, and the total
molecular weight of the block copolymer is from 50,000 to
300,000.
4. The process of claim 3 wherein the styrene content of the block
copolymer is from 20 to 40 wt %.
5. The process of claim 2 wherein the EB block has a vinyl content
from 20 to 80 mol % prior to hydrogenation.
6. The process of claim 1 wherein the oxygen-containing gas is
air.
7. The process of claim 1 wherein the resulting bituminous
composition has a softening point of at least 190.degree. F.
8. The process of claim 1 wherein the resulting bituminous
composition has a PEN value from 20 to 30 units at 25.degree.
C.
9. The process of claim 1 wherein the resulting bituminous
composition has a Brookfield viscosity from 200 to 1400 cps at
400.degree. F.
10. The process of claim 1 wherein 7 to 15 parts by weight of a
selectively hydrogenated block copolymer is added in step ii) for
each 100 parts by weight of bitumen.
11. A stable, polymer-modified bituminous composition made by the
process comprising i) heating 100 parts by weight bitumen to at
least 375.degree. F., ii) adding from 6 to 25 parts by weight of a
selectively hydrogenated block copolymer having at least one A
block of a polymerized monoalkenyl arene and at least one B block
of a polymerized and hydrogenated conjugated diene, iii) stirring
the mixture using a low shear mixer, and iv) blowing an
oxygen-containing gas through the mixture at a gas flow rate of at
least 5 lpm per kg of the bituminous composition for a time of at
least 75 minutes in the absence of a blowing catalyst having a
softening point of at least 190.degree. F.
12. The bituminous composition of claim 11 wherein the selectively
hydrogenated block copolymer has the general formula S--EB--S or
(S--EB).sub.nX where S is a styrene block, EB is a hydrogenated
butadiene block, X is the residue of a coupling agent and n is from
2 to 8.
13. The bituminous composition of claim 12 wherein the styrene
block has a weight average molecular weight from 5,000 to 30,000,
and the total molecular weight of the block copolymer is from
50,000 to 300,000.
14. The bituminous composition of claim 13 wherein the styrene
content of the block copolymer is from 20 to 40 wt %.
15. The bituminous composition of claim 11 wherein the EB block has
a vinyl content from 20 to 80 mol % prior to hydrogenation.
16. The bituminous composition of claim 11 having PEN value from 20
to 30 units at 25.degree. C.
17. The bituminous composition of claim 11 having a viscosity from
200 to 1400 cps at 400.degree. F.
18. The bituminous composition of claim 11 having a ring and ball
softening point of at least 200.degree. F.
19. A roofing shingle comprising the bituminous composition of
claim 11 and a non-woven glass mat.
20. The roofing shingle of claim 19 wherein the bituminous
composition comprises from 30 to 50 wt % of the total shingle
weight.
21. The roofing shingle of claim 19 wherein the selectively
hydrogenated block copolymer has the general formula S--EB--S or
(S--EB).sub.nX where S is a styrene block, EB is a hydrogenated
butadiene block, X is the residue of a coupling agent and n is from
2 to 8.
22. The roofing shingle of claim 21 wherein the styrene block has a
weight average molecular weight from 5,000 to 30,000, the total
molecular weight of the block copolymer is from 50,000 to 300,000,
and the EB block has a vinyl content from 20 to 80 mol % prior to
hydrogenation.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a process for making a compatible,
block copolymer-modified bituminous composition. The invention
further relates to bituminous compositions comprising selectively
hydrogenated block copolymers and their use in roofing
shingles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In roofing shingle applications, there is a need for
increased flexibility to improve wind damage resistance and
increased impact resistance to improve hail damage resistance.
Previous improvements involving styrenic block copolymer/asphalt
mixtures have made advances in this area. U.S. Pate. No. 4,405,680
taught polymer modified shingles where a blend of an unblown,
compatible asphalt and an SBS styrenic block copolymer was made.
The glass mat substrate of the shingle was impregnated with this
blend. However, in order to achieve the required durability, the
shingle was coated with a relatively high penetration value (PEN),
blown asphalt.
[0003] In the blowing process, asphalt is oxidized by passing an
oxygen-containing gas through the asphalt. This process serves to
increase the asphaltene content, introduce ester functionality, and
increase molecular weight. These are all factors which lead to
incompatibility with styrenic block copolymers. Thus, while the
blowing operation does increase the stiffness and softening point
of the asphalt, it also makes the asphalt less suitable for
blending with styrenic block copolymers. Blends of styrenic block
copolymers and blown asphalt generally have poor storage stability
with the block copolymer separating from the blend over time.
Further, the conditions for blowing are harsh in that high
temperatures and highly oxidative conditions are employed. This
leads to severe degradation of SBS-type polymers.
[0004] However, methods have been developed, as taught in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,939,474 and 6,060,542, in which blends of styrenic block
copolymers and asphalt are blown. These methods require a blowing
catalyst in order to conduct the blowing operation at conditions
suitable for block copolymers. Even with mild conditions and
blowing catalysts, though, hydrogenated SEBS-type block copolymers
have been found to be unsuitable, as taught in U.S. Pat. No.
5,342,866.
[0005] A need yet exists for stable high polymer content blown
polymer modified bituminous compositions and processes for
preparing them which do not require blowing catalysts. Such an
improvement would yield shingles with excellent in-use performance
and excellent resistance to mechanical damage such as scuffing
during roof installation and repair using simple and economical
processes. The present invention provides a method and a material
suitable for block copolymer modified shingle manufacture
comprising a blown mixture of asphalt and an SEBS-type block
copolymer which has a high PEN value and maintains its flexibility
and impact resistance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates to a process for preparing a
bituminous composition comprising [0007] i) heating 100 parts by
weight bitumen to at least 375.degree. F., [0008] ii) adding from 6
to 25 parts by weight of a selectively hydrogenated block copolymer
having at least one A block of a polymerized monoalkenyl arene and
at least one B block of a polymerized and hydrogenated conjugated
diene, [0009] iii) stirring the mixture using a low shear mixer,
and [0010] iv) blowing an oxygen-containing gas through the mixture
at a gas flow rate of at least 5 liters per minute (lpm) for a time
of at least 75 minutes in the absence of a blowing catalyst.
[0011] Another embodiment of the present invention is a stable,
polymer-modified bituminous composition made by the inventive
process having a softening point of at least 190.degree. F.
[0012] A further embodiment of the present invention is a roofing
shingle comprising the stable, polymer-modified bituminous
composition made by the inventive.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a predictive contour plot of softening point
(.degree. F.) at various polymer contents and blowing times. The
prediction is for the examples of the invention blown at
500.degree. F. and an air flow of 14 lpm.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a predictive contour plot of penetration
(units) at various polymer contents and blowing times. The
prediction is for the examples of the invention blown at
500.degree. F. and an air flow of 14 lpm.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a predictive contour plot of viscosity (cps) at
400.degree. F. at various polymer contents and blowing times. The
prediction is for the examples of the invention blown at
500.degree. F. and an air flow of 14 lpm.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] In the process of the present invention, bitumen
(alternately. referred to as asphalt) is heated to at least
375.degree. F. Below this temperature the bitumen is too viscous to
process and does not easily incorporate added block copolymer. In a
preferred embodiment the bitumen is heated to a temperature from
375.degree. F. to 525.degree. F.
[0017] From 6 to 25 parts by weight of a block copolymer are added
to the heated bitumen on the basis of 100 parts by weight of
bitumen. Only low shear mixing is required. Surprisingly, it has
been found that the action of the blowing leads to facile
incorporation of the relatively high molecular weight block
copolymers. While high shear mixing could be used, it is not
required to achieve the modified bituminous compositions. Typical
low shear mixers are auger-type or impeller-type mixers. More
preferred amounts of block copolymer are 7 to 15 parts by weight on
the basis of 100 parts by weight of bitumen.
[0018] The present invention does not require the use of a blowing
catalyst or any additive to enhance incorporation of the block
copolymer. The process is blowing catalyst-free.
[0019] In the blowing process an oxygen-containing gas is forced
through the bitumen-block copolymer mixture. The oxygen-containing
gas is preferably air but can be any other gaseous mixture or pure
oxygen. The degree of blowing achieved depends in one aspect upon
the rate of gas flow. In one embodiment of the present invention
the gas is air and the flow rate is at least 5 lpm per kg of the
bitumen-block copolymer mixture. In a preferred embodiment the air
flow rate is from 5 to 50 and in a most preferred embodiment from 5
to 25 lpm per kg of the bitumen-block copolymer mixture.
[0020] The degree of blowing further depends upon the time spent by
the bitumen-block copolymer mixture at elevated temperature and
under flow of oxygen-containing gas. In one embodiment of the
present invention the blowing occurs for at least 75 minutes. In a
preferred embodiment the blowing occurs for from 75 to 360 minutes.
In a most preferred embodiment the blowing occurs for 75 to 240
minutes.
[0021] If either the temperature, gas flow rate, time or the
combination of these effects is excessive then undesirable
degradation of the block copolymer results. The conditions
delimited by the present inventive process yields block copolymer
modified bituminous compositions experiencing minimal degradation
and advantageous properties for roofing shingle applications.
[0022] One of the advantageous properties of bituminous
compositions made by the inventive process is the homogeneity of
the mixture. In the context of the present invention, homogeneity
means that the block copolymer is so finely dispersed in the
bitumen that the mixture appears smooth and uniform. The block
copolymer may be dissolved in the bitumen or may be held as a
microscopically dispersed mixture, depending upon the temperature
and degree of blowing. When the bituminous composition is not
homogeneous it has a grainy or lumpy appearance. In extreme cases
which are not desired in the present invention, the mixture can
form separate layers or regions of block copolymer and bitumen.
[0023] One further advantageous property of bituminous compositions
made by the inventive process is stability of the mixture. In the
context of the present invention, stability means the maintenance
of the state of homogeneity throughout the roofing shingle
manufacturing process. When a block copolymer-modified bituminous
composition is referred to as "compatible" it is meant that the
composition possesses these characteristics of homogeneity and
stability.
[0024] The mono alkenyl arene monomers of the selectively
hydrogenated block copolymer can be selected from styrene,
alpha-methylstyrene, para-methylstyrene, vinyl toluene,
vinylnaphthalene, and para-butyl styrene or mixtures thereof. Of
these, styrene is most preferred and is commercially available, and
relatively inexpensive, from a variety of manufacturers. The
conjugated dienes for use herein are 1,3-butadiene and substituted
butadienes such as isoprene, piperylene,
2,3-dimethyl-l,3-butadiene, and 1-phenyl-1,3-butadiene, or mixtures
thereof. Of these, 1,3-butadiene is most preferred. As used herein,
and in the claims, "butadiene" refers specifically to
"1,3-butadiene".
[0025] Polymerization conditions to prepare the novel copolymers of
the present invention are typically similar to those used for
anionic polymerizations in general. In the present invention
polymerization is preferably carried out at a temperature of from
about -30.degree. to about 150.degree. C., more preferably about
10.degree. to about 100.degree. C., and most preferably, in view of
industrial limitations, about 30.degree. to about 90.degree. C. It
is carried out in an inert atmosphere preferably nitrogen, and may
also be accomplished under pressure within the range of from about
0.5 to about 10 bars. This copolymerization generally requires less
than about 12 hours, and can be accomplished in from about 5
minutes to about 5 hours, depending upon the temperature, the
concentration of the monomer components, the molecular weight of
the polymer and the amount of distribution agent that is
employed.
[0026] Preparation of radial (branched) polymers requires a
post-polymerization step called "coupling". In the above radial
formula n is an integer of from 2 to about 30, preferably from
about 2 to about 15, and most preferably from about 2 to about 4,
and X is the remnant or residue of a coupling agent. A variety of
coupling agents are known in the art and include, for example,
dihalo alkanes, silicon halides, siloxanes, multifunctional
epoxides, silica compounds, esters of monohydric alcohols with
carboxylic acids, and epoxidized oils. Star-shaped polymers are
prepared with polyalkenyl coupling agents as disclosed in, for
example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,985,830; 4,391,949; and 4,444,953;
Canadian Patent Number 716,645. Suitable polyalkenyl coupling
agents include divinylbenzene, and preferably m-divinylbenzene.
Preferred are tetra-alkoxysilanes such as tetra-ethoxysilane
(TEOS), aliphatic diesters such as dimethyl adipate and diethyl
adipate, and diglycidyl aromatic epoxy compounds such as diglycidyl
ethers deriving from the reaction of bis-phenol A and
epichlorohydrin.
[0027] The mono alkenyl arene blocks of the present invention range
in molecular weight from 5,000 to 30,000. The preferred range is
from 5,000 to 20,000 and the most preferred range is from 5,000 to
10,000. The total molecular weight of the block copolymer, whether
linear or coupled, is from 50,000 to 300,000. The preferred range
is from 60,000 to 200,000 and the most preferred range is from
70,000 to 100,000.
[0028] As used herein, the term "molecular weights" refers to the
true molecular weight in g/mol of the polymer or block of the
copolymer. The molecular weights referred to in this specification
and claims can be measured with gel permeation chromatography (GPC)
using polystyrene calibration standards, such as is done according
to ASTM 3536. GPC is a well-known method wherein polymers are
separated according to molecular size, the largest molecule eluting
first. The chromatograph is calibrated using commercially available
polystyrene molecular weight standards. The molecular weight of
polymers measured using GPC so calibrated are styrene equivalent
molecular weights. The styrene equivalent molecular weight may be
converted to true molecular weight when the styrene content of the
polymer and the vinyl content of the diene segments are known. The
detector used is preferably a combination ultraviolet and
refractive index detector. The molecular weights expressed herein
are measured at the peak of the GPC trace, converted to true
molecular weights, and are commonly referred to as "peak molecular
weights".
[0029] The mono alkenyl arene content of the present invention is
from 15 to 50 wt %. The preferred range is from 20 to 40 wt % and
the most preferred range is from 25 to 35 wt %.
[0030] One important aspect of the present invention is the
microstructure of the block copolymer. The microstructure relevant
to the present invention is an elevated amount of vinyl in the
conjugated diene blocks. In the case of 1,3-butadiene, a vinyl
configuration results from 1,2-addition during polymerization. In
the case of isoprene, a vinyl configuration results from
3,4-addition during polymerization. The vinyl structure of other
conjugated dienes can be understood as analogous to these two
examples. The vinyl configuration can be achieved by the use of a
microstructure control agent during polymerization of the diene. A
typical agent is diethyl ether. See U.S. Pat. No. Re 27,145 and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,777,031, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference. Any microstructure control agent known
to those of ordinary skill in the art of preparing block copolymers
to be useful can be used to prepare the block copolymers of the
present invention.
[0031] In the practice of the present invention, the block
copolymers are prepared so that they have from about 20 to about 80
mol % vinyl in the conjugated diene blocks prior to hydrogenation.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the vinyl
content is from 30 to 75 mol % and in a most preferred embodiment
the vinyl content is from 35 to 70 mol %.
[0032] The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises
a hydrogenated block copolymer. The preferred hydrogenation is
selective hydrogenation of the diene portions of the final block
copolymer. Hydrogenation can be carried out via any of the several
hydrogenation or selective hydrogenation processes known in the
prior art. For example, such hydrogenation has been accomplished
using methods such as those taught in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,595,942; 3,634,549; 3,670,054; 3,700,633; and Re. 27,145, the
disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0033] Hydrogenation can be carried out under such conditions that
at least about 90 percent of the conjugated diene double bonds have
been reduced, and between zero and 10 percent of the arene double
bonds have been reduced. Preferred ranges are at least about 95
percent of the conjugated diene double bonds reduced, and more
preferably about 98 percent of the conjugated diene double bonds
are reduced. Alternatively, it is possible to hydrogenate the
polymer such that aromatic unsaturation is also reduced beyond the
10 percent level mentioned above. Such exhaustive hydrogenation is
usually achieved at higher temperatures. In that case, the double
bonds of both the conjugated diene and arene may be reduced by 90
percent or more.
[0034] The bituminous component, also known as asphalt, present in
the bituminous compositions according to the present invention may
be a naturally occurring bitumen or derived from petroleum. Also
petroleum pitches obtained by a cracking process and coal tar can
be used as the bituminous component as well as blends of various
bituminous materials. Examples of suitable components include
distillation or "straight-run bitumens", precipitation bitumens,
e.g. propane bitumens, blown bitumens, e.g. catalytically blown
bitumen or "Multiphalt", and mixtures thereof. Other suitable
bituminous components include mixtures of one or more of these
bitumens with extenders (fluxes) such as petroleum extracts, e.g.
aromatic extracts, distillates or residues, or with oils. Suitable
bituminous components (either "straight-run bitumens" or "fluxed
bitumens") are those having a penetration of in the range of from
50 to 300 units (equivalent to deci-millimeters, dmm) at 25.degree.
C. In applications where the flexibility, tackiness or adhesion of
the product is of high importance, such as in roofing shingle
applications, fluxed bitumen having penetrations in the range of
greater than 300 units at 25.degree. C. are of particular use.
[0035] The polymer modifier is suitably present in the bituminous
composition in an amount in the range of from 6 to 25 parts by
weight on the basis of 100 parts by weight of bitumen.
Incorporation of block copolymers causes a change of the bitumen
character from viscous to visco-elastic. This change in properties
generally occurs with polymer contents ranging from about 0.5% to
about 8%. At higher polymer contents ranging to about 25%
substantial increases in flexibility and elastic strength can be
achieved. This is particularly interesting. for roofing shingles,
roofing felts, asphaltic adhesives and water-proofing
membranes.
[0036] The bituminous composition may also, optionally, contain
other ingredients such as may be required for the end-use
envisaged. Thus fillers may be included, for example talc, calcium
carbonate and carbon black, or other components including resins,
oils, stabilizers or flame retardants may be incorporated. The
content of such fillers and other components may be in the range of
from 0 to as much as 99% by weight. of course, if advantageous,
other polymer modifiers may also be included in the bituminous
composition of the invention.
[0037] The penetration values of the bituminous composition of the
present invention suitable for shingle manufacture are critical to
determining shingle performance. Typical shingle-grade asphalt has
a penetration less than 20 units at 25.degree. C., a ring and ball
softening point less than 200.degree. F. and a viscosity less than
1500 cps at 400.degree. F. Typical shingle-grade asphalts with
penetration values less than 20 units are stiff and susceptible to
fracture. As a result they are likely to fail in tests performed
according to UL 2218 specifications. Softer asphalts or modified
asphalts can be used which have penetration values greater than 30
units at 25.degree. C. However, these are generally too soft to be
practical and are likely to suffer scuffing damage during
application. In the present invention the bituminous composition
comprising a block copolymer is controllably blown to achieve a
preferred penetration from 20 to 30 units at 25.degree. C. and a
softening point of at least 190.degree. F.
[0038] The roofing shingles of the present invention comprise from
30 to 50 wt % of the polymer-modified bituminous composition, from
50 to 65 wt % of an inert filler, and from 1 to 10 wt % of a
non-woven glass mat. In the manufacture process the filler is added
to the bituminous composition and this mixture is used to coat the
non-woven glass mat. The shingle surface is further coated with
inert granules to provide durability, walk-on-ability, an
attractive surface finish, and to prevent blocking during storage
and shipping.
EXAMPLES
Test Procedures
[0039] Penetration of the neat bitumen and polymer modified bitumen
was measured according to ASTM D 5. Ring and ball softening point
of the polymer-modified bitumen was measured according to ASTM D
36. Viscosities were measured using a Brookfield viscometer.
Materials
[0040] SEBS was a linear styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block
copolymer having a total molecular weight of 80,000 and a
polystyrene content of 30%.
[0041] SBS was a coupled, linear styrene-butadiene-styrene block
copolymer having a total molecular weight of 120,000, a coupling
efficiency of 84%, and a polystyrene content of 28%.
[0042] The asphalt was Hunt AC5. Unmodified, AC5 has a viscosity of
500 poise at 140.degree. F., a PEN of approximately 150 units, and
a ring and ball softening point in the range of 40 to 50.degree.
F.
Example 1 and Comparative Examples C1 and C2
[0043] 900 grams of asphalt was heated to 400.degree. F. Polymer
(SEBS or SBS) was then added at 7 wt % and manually stirred using a
paddle. The polymer/asphalt mixture was then added to a 2 gallon
blow still preheated to 500.degree. F. The mixture temperature was
stabilized at 500.degree. F. and air sparging was begun at 20
liters per minute (lpm). The mixture was stirred using an
air-driven, low shear impeller while the sparging continued at
500.degree. F. for 120 minutes. The polymer modified asphalt was
then drained from the still. In both the case of the inventive
example 1 and the comparative example C1 the resulting blend was
homogeneous and the block copolymer was completely dispersed in the
asphalt. Table 1 shows the composition and processing conditions.
Table 2 shows the resulting physical properties of the bituminous
composition.
[0044] Similar softening points were achieved for both example 1
and comparative example C1. However, the pen of the SBS sample is
much too low for good impact resistance and as such is unsuitable
for roofing shingles. Analysis by GPC showed that the SBS polymer
was completely degraded by the blowing process. In contrast, GPC
analysis of the samples containing SEBS polymer showed minimal
degradation of the block copolymer. The blowing process
incorporated the selectively hydrogenated polymer under conditions
of only mild mechanical mixing to form a homogeneous bituminous
composition with properties suitable for roofing shingles.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 polymer Air Temp Time content, flow, Example
Polymer .degree. F. min wt % lpm 1 SEBS 500 120 7 20 C1 SBS 500 120
7 20 C2 none 500 210 0 20
[0045] TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Vis at Vis at Vis at Pen, R&B,
400.degree. F., 425.degree. F., 475.degree. F., Sample units
.degree. F. cps cps cps 1 26 226 1390 932 445 C1 8 220 1370 748 290
C2 <12 220 -- -- --
Examples 1-7 and Comparative Examples C3- C6
[0046] Block copolymer modified asphalt blends were made according
to the method of Example 1 with the variations noted in Table 3. In
all cases the resulting blend was homogeneous with the polymer
completely dispersed in the asphalt. TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 SEBS
Air Temp, Time, content, flow, Example .degree. F. min wt % lpm 2
525 90 10 8 3 525 210 10 20 4 475 90 10 20 5 475 210 10 8 6 500 150
7 14 7 500 150 7 14 C3 475 90 4 8 C4 475 210 4 20 C5 525 90 4 20 C6
525 210 4 8
[0047] The series of experiments in Table 3 represent a partial
factorial scientific design. The resulting physical properties are
listed in Table 4. Simple linear regressions having an R square
correlation of over 90% were obtained for correlations of
penetration, softening point and viscosity. FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show
the predictive contour plots obtained.
[0048] The inventive examples showed that polymer contents greater
than 4 wt % were required in order to make suitable block copolymer
modified compositions having softening points of at least
190.degree. F. These examples of the invention had penetrations in
the range of 22 to 29 units at 25.degree. C. and viscosities in the
range of 390 to 1250 cps at 400.degree. F. TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4
Vis at Vis at Vis at Pen, R&B, 400.degree. F., 440.degree. F.,
480.degree. F., Sample units .degree. F. cps cps cps 2 27 205 578
315 197 3 22 213 1250 625 360 4 27 212 578 330 197 5 25 211 427 230
138 6 29 203 573 317 188 7 28 192 390 215 130 C3 42 168 110 65 40
C4 26 189 340 183 105 C5 21 176 190 105 65 C6 29 175 200 112 68
[0049] Examples--Impact Resistance
[0050] Block copolymer modified asphalt blends were made according
to the method of Example 1. The impact resistance of the blends
were measured according to ASTM D 5420: 3 mm plaques were poured
from molten blends, the samples were allowed to cool to room
temperature, specimen disks were cut, impact was tested using a 1.2
lb dart, and the height required to shatter the specimen was
recorded. Table 5 presents the results. The control sample
containing no polymer modifier (C2) failed at an impact height of 3
inches. Addition of SEBS according to the inventive process yielded
impact heights as great as 40 inches. TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5
Polymer content, Sample wt % Impact height, in. C2 0 3 C5 4 25 6 7
15 3 10 40
* * * * *